Proverbs 7:8

Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house,

Passing through {H5674} the street {H7784} near {H681} her corner {H6434}; and he went {H6805} the way {H1870} to her house {H1004},

He crosses the street near her corner and continues on toward her house.

crossing the street near her corner, strolling down the road to her house,

Passing through the street near her corner; And he went the way to her house,

Proverbs 7:8 continues the vivid cautionary tale from the father to his son, illustrating the specific actions of the "simple" young man who falls victim to the seduction of the adulteress described in the preceding verses.

Context

This verse is part of a longer narrative (Proverbs 7:6-27) where the father observes a young man, described as "void of understanding," walking a dangerous path. Verse 8 details the precise steps he takes: "Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house." It highlights the deliberate, though perhaps naive, progression towards temptation. The street and corner imply a known, frequented area where such encounters might occur, leading directly to the harlot's dwelling.

Key Themes

  • Proximity to Temptation: The verse emphasizes that the young man actively places himself in a vulnerable position. He doesn't stumble accidentally but walks "near her corner" and "the way to her house," indicating a subtle but definite movement towards danger.
  • The Path of Folly: This seemingly innocuous walk is, in fact, a journey into moral peril. The path chosen by the simple youth leads directly to destruction, a common theme in Proverbs contrasting the path of wisdom with the way of the wicked.
  • Subtlety of Seduction: The initial steps toward sin often appear harmless or incidental. Here, it's just "passing through the street," but the destination is clear, foreshadowing the trap that awaits him.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "street" (chutz) often refers to the open area outside a house or city, while "corner" (pinnah) can denote a specific turning point or public place. The phrase "went the way to her house" (halak derek betah) clearly signifies a direct trajectory. It's not just a casual stroll but a determined movement towards a specific, dangerous destination, even if the young man is oblivious to the full extent of the danger.

Practical Application

Proverbs 7:8 serves as a potent warning against intentionally putting oneself in situations that invite temptation. It teaches that avoiding sin often begins by avoiding the places, people, or circumstances that lead to it. Just as the young man in the proverb deliberately walked towards the harlot's house, we must be mindful of the "paths" we choose in life, whether physically or digitally. The verse underscores the importance of discernment and self-control, reminding us that every step we take has a destination. Ultimately, the way to her house is described in Proverbs 7:27 as the "way to hell" and "going down to the chambers of death."

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Proverbs 4:14

    ¶ Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil [men].

  • Proverbs 4:15

    Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.

  • Proverbs 5:8

    Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:

  • Jude 1:23

    And others save with fear, pulling [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

  • 2 Samuel 11:2

    And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman [was] very beautiful to look upon.

  • 2 Samuel 11:3

    And David sent and enquired after the woman. And [one] said, [Is] not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?

  • Judges 16:1

    ¶ Then went Samson to Gaza, and saw there an harlot, and went in unto her.

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